D.J. Swearinger was one of the few defensive players that didn't get hurt Saturday

USC’s 41-20 victory over The Citadel was a costly one on the injury front, especially for the defensive unit. Linebacker Reginald Bowens suffered a shoulder stinger, safety Demario Jeffery left with a high ankle sprain, defensive back DeVonte Holloman was sick and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Qua Gilchrist suffered concussions. Jeffery’s injury may be the worst, but all of the players availability for next week’s game against Clemson are in question. Gamecock assistant head coach over defensive Ellis Johnson said his unit could be in serious trouble as it prepares for the high powered Tiger offense this week.

AUDIO: Ellis Johnson

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington was also hurt. He sprained his ankle in the first half and did not return to the game.

On a brighter note, quarterback Connor Shaw passed for 217 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 104 yards with one score. It was easily the most complete game the sophomore has put together since taking over the starting job five games ago.

AUDIO: Connor Shaw

Freshman running back Brandon Wilds continued his admirable job filling in for injured running back Marcus Lattimore. The Blythewood high product rushed for 109 yards on 20 carried and scored twice. Junior wide receiver Alshon Jeffery also had a nice game with five catches for 81 yards, including a 31 yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

AUDIO: Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Wilds

USC is 9-2 and can reach the 10 win mark for just the second time in school history with a victory over arch rival Clemson next weekend in Columbia. That game will kick off at 7:45 on ESPN.

Brandon Wilds scored twice as USC rolled past El Cid

USC withstood The Citadel’s option attack and cruised to an easy 41-20 win over the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium. Following the game Steve Spurrier said it might have been the best offensive performance by his team since he arrived seven years ago. Perhaps that was a bit of hyperbole by the Head Ball Coach, but the Gamecocks did finish with 473 yards of total offense and scored a touchdown on six of its seven possessions.

AUDIO: Steve Spurrier post game presser

Perhaps the highlight of Spurrier’s press conference was when the HBC found out Georgia had extended its lead on Kentucky. He thought it was still a 12-10 Bulldogs lead early in the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. When he was informed it was now 19-10 Dawgs, Spurrier let out a loud, “Awwwwwwww” and tossed his stat sheet on the table. “I shouldn’t have said anything,” a clearly Spurrier sighed. The HBC was still mumbling about Georgia scoring again as he left the presser.

Saturday’s win moves USC to 9-2 this season. The Gamecocks close out the regular season at home next weekend against Clemson.

1st QUARTER RECAP

2nd QUARTER RECAP

3rd QUARTER RECAP

4th QUARTER RECAP

FINAL STATS

Connor Shaw threw three TDs and ran for another Saturday

USC started the fourth quarter with the ball. The Gamecocks converted a fourth down play on a fake punt to keep the drive going. They ran the same fake they used in the Georgia game earlier this season, with Melvin Ingram scrambling for the first down. Ingram scored on the play against Georgia. The conversion paid off later in the possession when Alshon Jeffery snagged a 32 yard touchdown pass from Connor Shaw. Jeffery, a potential first round NFL draft pick, returned to the sidelines with fans chanting, “One more year!” USC led 34-13.

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Brandon Wilds rushed for over 100 yards Saturday

The Citadel received the ball to start the second half. The Bulldogs put together a decent drive, moving across midfield into Gamecocks’ territory, but were unable to get any points. They chewed up almost eight minutes of clock before they punted it away.

USC took over on its own nine yard line. The Gamecocks put together an impressive 91 yard touchdown drive, capped by a 26 yard pass from Connor Shaw to Ace Sanders. The drive took six plays and took 2:44 seconds. USC led 27-13 with 4:30 left in the quarter.

The Citadel was forced to punt on its next possession, and USC had the ball as the quarter ended.

THIRD QUARTER SCORE: USC 27, The Citadel 13

USC never trailed against the Bulldogs Saturday

The second quarter began with USC in the middle of their third possession of the game. Connor Shaw and the offense bounced back from the interception on its previous possession, taking the ball 72 yards on 18 plays. The drive to 9:18 seconds off the clock. Brandon Wilds capped the drive with a three yard touchdown run, his second of the game, and USC reclaimed the lead by seven, 14-7.

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